Jacobson to bring up 100 as Gallagher Chiefs name team for Hurricanes Clash
It’s set to be a huge night for rugby this Saturday as Captain Luke Jacobson takes the field for his 100th game for the Gallagher Chiefs.
Gallagher Chiefs Luke Jacobson will become the 14th centurion in Gallagher Chiefs history on Saturday night, when the Chiefs welcome the Hurricanes to FMG Stadium Waikato.
Jacobson, born and bred in Cambridge, debuted for the Chiefs in 2018, and was named captain in 2024. Head Coach, Jono Gibbes, acknowledged Jacobson’s achievement. “Luke will join a special group of great Chiefs men on Saturday. It’s a testament to his longevity, his work-ethic, and his professionalism for him to reach this milestone. He’s constantly setting and maintaining standards in our environment, and keeping everyone accountable as leaders should. It’ll be a special occasion for him and for our club.”
Jacobson is joined by two existing Chiefs centurions for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash, in Damian McKenzie and Samisoni Taukei’aho. McKenzie, who last week became the club’s all-time leading try scorer remains in the number 10 jersey, with newly capped Reon Paul starting outside him. Quinn Tupaea moves to Centre for the first time this season as the Chiefs await the return of Daniel Rona (Hamstring), Lalakai Foketi (Hand) and Kyle Brown (Hip) from injury. Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter and Liam Coombes-Fabling retain their spots after last week’s dominant performance in Rotorua.
Up front, props Ollie Norrie and George Dyer bookend Taukei’aho in the front row, with Josh Lord returning to lock alongside Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi. Simon Parker retains the No. 8 jersey and Samipeni Finau remains on the blindside, with Jacobson manning the openside.
Wallace Sititi returns the fold in the number 21 jersey, as the Chiefs opt for a 6-2 bench split. Sititi has been out of action since a hamstring injury sustained in Round 3 against the Crusaders. Xavier Roe and Josh Jacomb are the reserve backs.
With a sold-out venue on the horizon, fans can look forward to a night of backing those who helped get us here, with First Responders, volunteers and community leaders represented throughout match-day activities. Half-time will also feature the return of last years semi-final Lyric Lightshow.
Gallagher Chiefs v Hurricanes, FMG Stadium Waikato, 18th April.
- Ollie Norris
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- George Dyer
- Josh Lord
- Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Samipeni Finau
- Luke Jacobson (C) (100th Match)
- Simon Parker
- Cortez Ratima
- Damian McKenzie
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- Reon Paul
- Quinn Tupaea (VC)
- Leroy Carter
- Liam Coombes-Fabling
Reserves
- Brodie McAlister
- Jared Proffit
- Reuben O’Neill
- Fiti Sa
- Kaylum Boshier
- Wallace Sititi
- Xavier Roe
- Josh Jacomb
Unavailable Due to Injury
- Lalakai Foketi – Hand – Round 11-13
- Kyle Brown – Hip – Round 11
- Daniel Rona – Hamstring – Round 14
- Tupou Vaa’i – Concussion – Round 11
- Etene Nanai-Seturo – Foot – Round 16-QF
- Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Season
- Emoni Narawa – Foot – Round 16-QF
- Sione Ahio – Quad – TBC
